|  |  | Summary

Now that you completed this chapter, you should have a firm understanding of the following: An Ethernet switch is designed to physically segment a LAN into individual collision domains. A typical LAN is configured according to the physical infrastructure it connects. In a LAN that uses LAN switching devices, VLAN technology is a cost-effective and efficient way of grouping network users into virtual workgroups, regardless of their physical location on the network. VLANs work at Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the OSI reference model. Important to any VLAN architecture is the ability to transport VLAN information between interconnected switches and routers that reside on the corporate backbone. The problems associated with shared LANs and switches are causing traditional LAN configurations to be replaced with switched VLAN networking configurations. The most common approaches for logically grouping users into distinct VLANs are frame filtering, frame tagging, and frame identification. There are three main types of VLANs: port-centric VLANs, static VLANs, and dynamic VLANs. VLANs provide the following benefits: They reduce administration costs related to solving problems associated with moves, additions, and changes. They provide controlled broadcast activity. They provide workgroup and network security. They save money by using existing hubs.
| Threaded Case Study
Washington School District Project Task: User Requirements, Site Maps, Handling Graphics

After this chapter, you will continue studying the TCS Overview for the Washington School District Network Design Project, focusing on the LAN requirements. You should begin work on your school site wiring diagrams (physical topologies). And you will need to learn some basics about graphics file formats and graphics manipulation. You need to complete the following tasks:

1. Familiarize yourself with the LAN sections (and User Counts) of the TCS Overview , including any activities your Instructor assigns.
2. Individually, begin working on your site wiring diagrams. Then discuss them as a group.
3. Understand the different graphic file formats involved in how your Instructor wants you to submit your Web-based TCS Solutions.
4. Apply the CCNA Certification Exam Learning Objectives to your specific design. This will require a paragraph on how the learning objectives relate to your design. Learning objectives can be grouped together for the purpose of explanation. In this way, you will be studying for the CCNA Certification Exam as you work through the case study.

CCNA Certification Exam Learning Objectives (*** are explicit CCNA Exam objectives; unmarked are knowledge assumed by the exam):

VLANs

- Describe the operation of the Spanning Tree Protocol and its benefits.***
- Describe the operation of virtual LANs.***

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